Steps Forward

Steps Forward is an installation that aims to generate a reflective, sobering, and educational experience for the visitors of the Skyline in the Cape Breton - Highlands National Park. This work features 35 bronze plaques placed on the “nose” of 35 steps of the boardwalk. Each plaque is laser etched with excerpt texts from the Peace and Friendship Treaty signed in 1752:

“His Excellency Peregrine Thomas Hopson Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia or Acadie. Vice Admiral of the same & Colonel of one of His Majesty’s Regiments of Foot, and His Majesty’s Council on behalf of His Majesty.

and

Major Jean Baptiste Cope, chief Sachem of the Tribe of Mick Mack Indians Inhabiting the Eastern Coast of the said Province, and Andrew Hadley Martin, Gabriel Martin & Francis Jeremiah, Members and Delegates of the said Tribe, for themselves and their said Tribe their Heirs, and the Heirs of their Heirs forever, Begun made and concluded in the manner, form and Tenor” - Nova Scotia Archives

The importance is placed on the significance of this document and brings to light the fact that whether Indigenous or Settler, we are all treaty people. The historic Treaty was intended to bring Peace and Friendship to all parties and the upholding of this document in 2017 is a step towards reconcilement.

By familiarizing ourselves with these Treaties, which are still relevant today, we can move towards a future of renewed relationships and true reconciliation.